If you must use colored spiral plastic bands on waterfowl, check them frequently to assure that they have not become too tight. Such bands can cause leg injury when allowed to cut into the leg tissue of ducks and geese

9/28/2008

Provide greens to waterfowl as far into the winter as possible. A supply of rabbit pellets (unmedicated) during the winter which makes up no more than 10% of the diet is a good idea, especially for geese.

9/21/2008

Waterfowl should have their nails attended to by their keeper periodically. Toe nails which are allowed to get too long will affect the bird's ability to walk.

9/14/2008

Waterfowl are not safe from West Nile Virus until after at least one killing frost in the fall. Young birds are most vulnerable.

9/07/2008

Whole oats is probably the most complete single grain for growing chickens or waterfowl but they must be taught to eat it as they would favor less nutriious corn if allowed to do so.

8/31/2008

As the show season approaches, potential show birds should be examined carefully and any damaged or broken feathers should be removed. Flight feathers can take as long as six weeks to fully regrow.

8/24/2008

In the hot summer months, little or no corn shoulf be fed. Whole oats is the best type of whole grain to be fed. Birds must be taught to eat oats, however, since it is not naturally a grain that they prefer.

8/17/2008

The Buff varieties of chickens, ducks, and geese must be kept out of the sun to prevent bleaching of their plumage.

8/10/2008

Shade is very important for both chickens and waterfowl during the summer months. The best kind of shade is so-called green shade, which is provided by trees, grape arbors, etc.

8/03/2008

Water in cups, bowls, and pools for poultry of all kinds should be changed frequently in hot weather to prevent it from becoming a source of illness.

7/27/2008

Ducks and chickens are also suseptible to external parasites, especially when they are kept with chickens and/or have no access to swimming water.

7/20/2008

Chickens must be protected regularly with inscticides to keep mites and lice from becoming a problem. A severe infestation of mites (which suck blood) can weaken or even kill a bird.

7/13/2008

Before ducklings or goslings are put in a brooder, it should be wiped down with a powerful sanitizer. Bacteria can exist on wooden surfaces in particular for long periods of time. For more on health, see the article More Frequently Asked Questions.

7/06/2008

Never set eggs that are misshapen or which have poor quality shells. Such traits tend to be passed down from mothers to daughters.

6/29/2008

Dogs can be predatory to waterfowl and they will operate during the daytime. Never leave flocks in an unfenced area unless soeone is around to watch them.

6/22/2008

Try not to disturb waterfowl any more than necessary when the heat is extreme as they are subject (as we are) to heat stroke. Left alone, they will naturally remain relatively quiet during the heat of the day.

6/15/2008

Try to group growing waterfowl by age as long as possible to prevent bullying of larger youngsters. Removing of the bully to a group of even larger young birds often stops the bully in his tracks.

6/08/2008

In the heat of summer, it is important to keep bathing and drinking water clean and fresh. Daily changing of water in small pools/bowls when the heat is extreme is prudent.

6/01/2008

Shade is a must for waterfowl in most parts of the country during the summer. The very best kind of shade is green- that of trees or plants.

5/25/2008

The prevention of muddy puddles in pens often eliminates a major source of disease. Sand is an excellent base for pens but it must be refreshed regularly.

5/18/2008

Feather picking is usually the result of boredom and overcrowding in brooders. Young birds on range seldom feather pick.

5/11/2008

Both ducklings and goslings will thrive if given access to pasture within the first few weeks of their lives, weather permitting.

5/04/2008

Growing ducklings and goslings should not be kept on Starter/grower much beyond six weeks of age. Switch them to a lower protein duck grower feed after that time.

4/27/2008

Dandilions and other weeds are a wonderful treat for ducklings and goslings even before they leave the brooder. Be sure, however, that no pesticides were previously sprayed on the weeds. Sprouted oats also are a favorite treat.

4/20/2008

One must avoid allowing very young ducklings and goslings in particular to run out of drinking water for any length of time. If it does happen, supply warm water and take it away every few minutes so they do not drink too much at once.